Adaptive Rendered Environments Using User Context

ABSTRACT

There is provided a system and method for adaptive rendered environments using user context. The method comprises determining user context data corresponding to a user of a virtual environment, altering a feature of the virtual environment using the user context data to obtain an altered feature, and rendering the altered feature of the virtual environment for display. The feature may include a non-player character in the virtual environment, such as eyesight focus of the non-player character or a physical action of the non-player character. The user context data may correspond to real world position data of a user and may be determined using a camera, for example through image recognition, or using a user device. Additionally, the virtual environment may include a cinematic, interactive game, or user generated content.

BACKGROUND

Digitally created environments can provide immersive environments wherereal world players may feel deeply engrossed with an ongoing storyline.Using realistic renderings and captivating stories, players can feel asif they are actually part of the narrative. Additionally, as games,cinematic sequences, and other media content become more sophisticated,players may use creatively designed avatars, sometimes featuring theirown likeness. This leads to a personal attachment to the game that helpscreate an emotional link between the player and the media content.However, as media content is not actually aware of the user context,such as positions, light levels, or other context information, oftenrendered environments feel fake or artificial. Thus, certain actionstaken by non-player characters in the media content may look comical orout of place. Media devices used for presenting media content usuallycontain a broad array of sensors and attached controllers. Video gameconsoles may include wireless controllers, infrared ports to connectuser devices, and other external controllers. Additionally, it isincreasingly common to equip both televisions and media devices withcameras. Thus, both media device and attached user devices come equippedwith sensors to detect transmit, store, and/or utilize datacorresponding to a user context. Therefore, these devices may be used todetermine and provide real world player information.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure is directed to adaptive rendered environmentsusing user context, substantially as shown in and/or described inconnection with at least one of the figures, as set forth morecompletely in the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A presents an exemplary media device for adaptive renderedenvironments using user context;

FIG. 1B presents an exemplary user device for determining andtransmitting data for adaptive environments using user context;

FIG. 2A shows an exemplary rendered environment prior to adjustmentusing user context;

FIG. 2B shows a rendered environment adjusted using user contextreceived from a user device;

FIG. 3A presents an exemplary rendered environment prior to adjustmentusing user context;

FIG. 3B presents a rendered environment adjusted using user contextreceived from a device camera; and

FIG. 4 presents an exemplary flowchart illustrating a method foradaptive rendered environments using user context.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description contains specific information pertaining toimplementations in the present disclosure. The drawings in the presentapplication and their accompanying detailed description are directed tomerely exemplary implementations. Unless noted otherwise, like orcorresponding elements among the figures may be indicated by like orcorresponding reference numerals. Moreover, the drawings andillustrations in the present application are generally not to scale, andare not intended to correspond to actual relative dimensions.

FIG. 1A presents an exemplary media device for adaptive renderedenvironments using user context. According to FIG. 1A, media device 110includes processor 112, memory 114, sensor 116, camera 118, display 120and media input 130. Additionally, memory 114 of media device 110 isshown containing media content 132, position recognition module 140,image recognition module 142, and content adjustment module 144. Mediadevice 110 may correspond to a media device, such as a video gameconsole, interactive smart television, personal computer, mobile phone,personal digital assistant, or other device.

As shown in FIG. 1A, media device 110 includes processor 112 inconnection with memory 114. Processor 112 of media device 110 isconfigured to access memory 114 to store received input and/or toexecute commands, processes, or programs stored in memory 114. Processor112 may receive media content, such as interactive video games,cinematic sequences, user generated content, and other media content,from media input 130. Media input 130 is shown residing on media device110 and may refer generally to media content input received through aninput means, such as a CD/DVD/Blu-Ray player, USB port, storage device,or other form of media content input. However, in other implementations,media input 130 may include network communication connections, such as awireless, radio, Ethernet, or other network communication. Thus, mediainput 130 may include media content received over a networkcommunication. Processor 112 may store media input 130 in memory 114 asmedia content 132. Media content 132 may correspond to media contentdownloaded for persistent storage in memory 214 from media input 130.However, in other implementations, media content 132 may correspond todata retrieved from other input means, such as read from aCD/DVD/Blu-Ray disk during use. Thus, media input 130 may correspond todata received from attached devices and/or networks.

Processor 112 may also access memory 114 and execute programs,processes, and modules stored in memory 114, such as positionrecognition module 140, image recognition module 142, and/or contentadjustment module 144. Additionally, processor 112 may store in memory114 data resulting from executed programs, processes and modules.Processor 112 may correspond to a processing device, such as amicroprocessor or similar hardware processing device, or a plurality ofhardware devices. However, in other implementations, processor 112refers to a general processor capable of performing the functionsrequired by media device 110.

Memory 114 of media device 110 corresponds to a sufficient memorycapable of storing commands, processes, and programs for execution byprocessor 112. Memory 114 may be instituted as ROM, RAM, flash memory,or any sufficient memory capable of storing a set of commands. In otherimplementations, memory 114 may correspond to a plurality memory typesor modules. Thus, processor 112 and memory 114 contains sufficientmemory and processing units necessary for media device 110. Althoughmemory 114 is shown as located on media device 110, in otherimplementations, memory 114 may be separate but connectable to mediadevice 110.

Processor 112 of media device 110 is further in contact with sensor 116.Sensor 116 may include an optical sensor, such as an infrared OR)sensor, or similar. Sensor 116 may also correspond to another sensorcapable of communicating with a wired or wireless connected to acontroller or user device, such as radio, wireless, wired, Bluetooth, orother communication sensor. Sensor 116 may be utilized to communicatewith a connectable user device, such as a video game controller, remotecontroller, mobile phone, tablet or laptop computer, or other userdevice. Thus, sensor 116 may receive user context data from aconnectable user device. Sensor 116 may further be configured todetermine user context data, such as a location of the connectable userdevice. Thus, sensor 116 may receive data corresponding to user contextfrom the connectable user device, or sensor 116 may detect the usercontext data of the connectable user device, such as through proximityawareness. Although in the implementation of FIG. 1A sensor 116 is shownlocated on media device 110, in other implementations sensor 116 may beseparate but connectable to media device 110.

Processor 112 of media device 110 is also connected to camera 118.Camera 118 may include a connected device capable of recording stilland/or video images. Thus, camera 118 may correspond to a digital camerafor photographs and/or videos. Camera 118 may further include additionalfeatures, such as lens focus, flash lighting, exposure and/or shutterspeeds, or other desirable features. Although in the implementation ofFIG. 1A camera 118 is shown located on media device 110, in otherimplementations camera 118 may be separate but connectable to mediadevice 110.

Display 120 is connected to processor 112 of media device 110 forrendering and output of media content 132. Display 120 may correspond toa visual display unit capable of presenting and rendering media contentfor a user. Display 120 may correspond to a liquid crystal display,plasma display panel, cathode ray tube, or other display. Processor 112is configured to access display 120 in order to render content forviewing by the user. While FIG. 1A shows display 120 as part of mediadevice 110, in other implementations, display 120 may be external tomedia device 110 or separate and connectable to media device 110. Thus,in certain implementations, such as when media device 110 is atelevision receiver, display 120 may be separate and connectable tomedia device 110. Additionally, display 120 may correspond to one visualdisplay unit or a plurality of visual display unit.

Memory 114 of media device 110 is shown containing media content 132,position recognition module 140, image recognition module 142, andcontent adjustment module 144. As previously discussed, media content132 may correspond to audio, visual, or audiovisual content, such asmovies, cinematic sequences, interactive games, and/or user generatedcontent. Media content 132 may correspond to media content obtained frommedia input 130, such as a network connection, CD/DVD/Blu-Ray diskdrive, or connected memory unit. Media content 132 contains specificinstances of content where a feature, such as a non-player character inthe virtual environment of the media content, interacts with a user ofmedia device 110. For example, the user of media device 110 may beexperiencing media content 132 in a first person view. Thus, thenon-player character in the virtual environment may look at the user, ormay point at the user. However, without knowing a real world location ofthe user, the non-player character may look or point generally to anarea directly in front of display 120 or a scene center point. Thus, ifthe user is located elsewhere, the user may feel the experience isartificial.

Memory 114 further includes position recognition module 140. Positionrecognition module 140 corresponds generally to processes or proceduresutilized to determine a real world position data of a user of mediadevice 110 using sensor 116, camera 118, and/or connected user devices.Position recognition module 140 may include proximity awarenessprocesses to determine the location of the user to media device 110.Position recognition module 140 may also query the connected userdevices to receive information corresponding to the real world positiondata of the user of media device 110. For example, in oneimplementation, position recognition module 140 may use sensor 116 todetermine the real-world position of the user through infrared, orsimilar, proximity awareness. However, in another implementation,position recognition module 140 may utilize camera 118 as a proximitysensor, or may request information, such as a GPS position, of theconnected user devices. Thus, position recognition module 140 maydetermine a real world position data of the user of media device 110.

Image recognition module 142 is stored in memory 114 of media device110. Image recognition module 142 may correspond generally to processesand procedures utilized to recognize image data from captured or storedimages. Image recognition module 142 may be utilized with camera 118 toprocess images captured by camera 118. For example, utilizing camera118, image recognition module 142 may utilize face perception technologyor other image recognition techniques to determine data corresponding touser context of a user of media device 110. Image recognition module 142may further determine eye level of the user and/or facial features ofthe user.

Utilizing user context data determined through sensor 116 and/or camera118, content adjustment module 144 may then be used with media content132 to provide an altered feature of media content 132. Utilizing afeature of media content 132, such as eye contact of a non-playercharacter in a virtual environment, content adjustment module 144 mayadjust the feature according to the received user context data. The datamay be used to cause the non-player character to make eye contact withthe user of media device 110, or to point at or otherwise engage withthe user. Thus, the user may feel an increased realism and emotionalconnection with media content 132.

Moving to FIG. 1B, FIG. 1B presents an exemplary user device fordetermining and transmitting data for adaptive environments using usercontext. User device 150 of FIG. 1B is shown with processor 152, memory154, and device sensors 160. Memory 155 of user device 150 containscontext detection module 156. Additionally, device sensors 160 includecommunication sensor 162, camera 163, GPS/compass 164, motion sensor165, light sensor 166, and microphone 167. Although device sensors 160contain communication sensor 162, camera 163, GPS/compass 164, motionsensor 165, light sensor 166, and microphone 167, device sensors 160 areshown by way of example. Thus, more, less, or other device sensors maybe included on user device 150 as necessary.

Processor 152 and memory 154 of user device 150 may correspond ingeneral to processor 112 and memory 114, respectively, of media device110 from FIG. 1A. Thus, processor 152 and memory 154 may share similarfunctions and implementations as those described above in reference toprocessor 112 and memory 114, respectively. User device 150 is incommunication with media device 110 such as using a direct communicationlink, infrared transmitter, wireless connection, or other communicationconnections. Thus, user device 150 transmits and receives data frommedia device 110.

Memory 154 of user device 150 is shown with context detection module156. Context detection module 156 corresponds generally to processes orprocedures utilized to determine a user context data corresponding to auser of user device 150 using device sensors 160. In certainimplementations, context detection module 156 may include proximityawareness processes to determine the location of the user using devicesensors 160, for example GPS/compass 164. Context detection module 156may also be configured to detect ambient light levels, sounds and/orvoice data, image and/or visual data, or other user context datacorresponding to a user of user device 150. Thus, context detectionmodule 156 may determine user context corresponding to a user of userdevice 150.

User device 150 of FIG. 1B contains device sensors 160 connected toprocessor 152. As previously discussed, device sensors 160 may includesensors capable of detecting user context data corresponding to a userof user device 150 and transmitting the data to a media device foradaptive rendered environments. As shown in FIG. 1B, device sensors 160include communication sensor 162, camera 163, GPS/compass 164, motionsensor 165, light sensor 166, and microphone 167. Communication sensor162 may be a sensor capable of detecting, receiving, and transmittingdata. For example, communication sensor 162 may incorporate ashort-range wireless communications link, such as infrared, radio,Bluetooth, or other communication link. Thus, communication sensor 162may be any suitable means for transmitting, receiving, and interpretingdata. Camera 163 may include a photographing unit capable of capturingand/or saving photographs. Similar to camera 118 of FIG. 1A, camera 163may correspond to a digital camera for photographs and/or videos.

GPS/compass 164 may correspond to a global positioning unit, assistedglobal positioning unit, compass sensor, or similar unit capable ofdetermining a location and/or movement of a user. Motion sensor 165 maycorrespond to a sensor unit capable of detecting movements and/ormotions of device 150, such as an accelerometer, gyroscope,inclinometer, or gravity-detecting sensor. Light sensor 166 may includea sensor capable of determining ambient light levels of user device 150,such as ambient light levels of a room corresponding to user device 150.Microphone 167 may correspond to a general audio detecting sensor, suchas an acoustic to electric sensor utilized in mobile phones to receiveaudio communications.

While device sensors 160 of FIG. 1B include sensors 162-167, in otherimplementations, device sensors 160 may be configured differently,having more, less, or different sensors. For example, device sensors 160may include a thermometer, barometer, or other sensors. Device sensors160 may correspond to sensors embedded in user device 150 or sensorsconnectable to user device 150. For example, user device 150 may containmicrophone 167 attachable to user device 150, such as through an audioconnection or communication sensor 162. Thus, user device 160 mayreceive data from sensors external and connectable to user device 150.

As previously discussed, context recognition module 158 may includeprocesses and procedures for use with device sensors 160 to detect usercontext data corresponding to a user of user device 150. Once userdevice 160 has detected user context data, such as position, ambientlight level, or other context data corresponding to a user of userdevice 150, user device 150 may transmit the information to a mediadevice. The media may utilize the user context data to add user contextto an adaptive rendered environment.

As shown in FIG. 2A, FIG. 2A shows an exemplary rendered environmentprior to adjustment using user context. FIG. 2A shows environment 200 awith user 202 possessing user device 250 and viewing display 220.Display 220 is shown with virtual environment 234 a having character 236a and scene center point 238. FIG. 2A is shown for conceptual clarityand it is understood that display 220 may be further connected to adevice, such as media device 110 of FIG. 1A, for the receiving of dataand rendering of virtual environment 234 a.

User 202 may possess user device 250, such as a connectable video gamecontroller, remote controller, mobile phone, tablet or laptop computer,or other user device. User 202 may utilize user device 250 with a devicefor playback of media content on display 220. User device 250 mayinclude controls usable with the media content, for example controllinga character or avatar in a first person or third person view in themedia content. However, in other implementations, user device 250 mayalso be utilized to control playback of the media content, such as amovie, cinematic, or other audiovisual content. User device 250 mayfurther include a transmission unit for transmitting controls to thedevice playing the media content, such as infrared, Bluetooth, wireless,or other radio transmission means.

A device utilized for playback of media content may include display 220rendering virtual environment 234 a of the media content. As previouslydiscussed, display 220 may correspond to a visual display unit capableof presenting and rendering media content for user 202. Display 220 maycorrespond to a liquid crystal display, plasma display panel, cathoderay tube, or other display unit. Virtual environment 234 a maycorrespond to a rendered scene from the media content, such as acinematic or video game environment. Virtual environment 234 a may showa predetermined scene or may correspond to a video game environment thatuser 202 may interact with through a character or avatar.

FIG. 2A represents virtual environment 234 a as viewed through a firstperson perspective according to user 202. Thus, virtual environment 234a may be viewed through a first person perspective of some character oravatar while experiencing virtual environment 234 a. As shown in FIG.2A, virtual environment 234 a includes character 236 a. Character 236 amay correspond to a non-player character during a cinematic or videogame experience.

Character 236 a of FIG. 2A is shown interacting with user 202 by lookingat a predetermined scene point represented by scene center point 238. Aspreviously discussed, without adjusting character 236 a according touser context of user 202, character 236 a is looking, speaking, pointingat, or otherwise interacting with scene center point 238 and not user202. Thus, according to the perspective of user 202, character 236 aappears to be interacting with a different point than user 202, and thusappears fake or otherwise artificial. Thus, user 202 may not feel anemotional connection with character 236 a and/or virtual environment 234a.

Moving to FIG. 2B, FIG. 2B shows a rendered environment adjusted usinguser context received from a user device. FIG. 2B shows environment 200b with user 202 possessing user device 250 and viewing display 220.Display 220 is shown with virtual environment 234 b having character 236b and scene center point 238. In contrast to FIG. 2A, environment 200 bof FIG. 2B shows sensor 216 determining user context data from userdevice 250 for use in virtual environment 234 b. FIG. 2B is shown forconceptual clarity and it is understood that display 220 may be furtherconnected to a device, such as media device 110 of FIG. 1A, for thereceiving of data and rendering of virtual environment 234 b

FIG. 2B shows display 220 rendering virtual environment 234 b altered toinclude user context data of user 202. User 202, user device 250, anddisplay 220 of FIG. 2B may correspond generally to user 202, user device250, and display 220 of FIG. 2A. As previously discussed, sensor 216 maycorrespond to a sensor usable with a position recognition module todetermine user context data of user 202 using user device 250. Forexample, sensor 216 may include an optical sensor, such as an infrared(IR) sensor, or similar. Sensor 216 may also correspond to anothersensor capable of communicating with a wired or wireless connected to acontroller or user device, such as radio, wireless, wired, Bluetooth, orother communication sensor. Sensor 216 may receive and request datacorresponding to the user context of user 202 from user device 250. Forexample, sensor 216 may utilize proximity awareness using an opticalsensor. However, sensor 216 may also request the user context from userdevice 250, such as a GPS coordinate or position, ambient light level,audio, or other user context.

Utilizing the received user context data corresponding to a user contextof user 202, virtual environment 234 b may be rendered presenting analtered feature based on the user context data. Virtual environment 234b shows character 236 b and scene center point 238. Scene center point238 may correspond generally to scene center point 238 of FIG. 2A.However, as shown in FIG. 2B, character 236 b is shown interacting withuser 202 instead of scene center point 238. Using the user context,character 234 b may look, speak, point at, or otherwise interactdirectly with user 202. Thus, virtual environment 234 b presenting analtered virtual environment using user context data, user 202 may feel adeeper emotional connection with virtual environment 234 b.

Media content containing virtual environment 234 b may also beconfigured to change the features, such as character 236 b, based on thechanging viewpoint of virtual environment 234 b. For example, acharacter or avatar corresponding to user 202 in virtual environment 234b may present virtual environment 234 b for rendering on display 220using a first person view. However, user 202 may wish to change therendered viewpoint to a third person viewpoint and thus view thecharacter or avatar. Based on a change to a third person viewpoint,virtual environment 234 b may then further change character 236 b tointeract directly with the character or avatar and no longer use theuser context data. This may create a more seamless and realisticexperience.

Although FIG. 2B shows virtual environment 234 b presenting an alteredfeature based on the real world position of user 202, otherimplementations may utilize other user context as a basis to adjust andadapt the rendered virtual environment. For example, user device 250 maytransmit user context data corresponding to ambient light levels in oraround user 202, audio levels or recorded audio data corresponding touser 202, image data corresponding to user 202, or other user contextdata. Thus, FIG. 2B is presented by way of example and it is understooddifferent user context data may be utilized to present an alteredfeature in a rendered virtual environment.

FIG. 3A presents an exemplary rendered environment prior to adjustmentusing user context. FIG. 3A shows environment 300 a with user 302viewing display 320. Display 320 is shown with virtual environment 334 ahaving character 336 a and scene center point 338. FIG. 3A is shown forconceptual clarity and it is understood that display 320 may be furtherconnected to a device, such as media device 110 of FIG. 1A, for thereceiving of data and rendering of virtual environment 334 a.

User 302 of FIG. 3A is shown display 320. As previously discussed,display 320 may correspond to a visual display unit capable ofpresenting and rendering media content for user 302. Display 320 maycorrespond to a liquid crystal display, plasma display panel, cathoderay tube, or other display unit. User 302 may be viewing media content,such as a movie, television show, video game, user-generated content, orother visual or audiovisual content on display 320. The media contentmay include interactive environment 334 a having character 336 a andscene center point 338. Thus, virtual environment 334 a may correspondto a rendered scene from the media content, such as a cinematic or videogame environment.

Similar to FIG. 2A, FIG. 3A represents virtual environment 334 a asviewed through a first person perspective according to user 302. Thus,virtual environment 334 a may be viewed through a first personperspective of some character or avatar while experiencing virtualenvironment 334 a. Character 336 a may correspond to a non-playercharacter during a cinematic or video game experience. Again similar toFIG. 2A, character 336 a of FIG. 3A is shown interacting with user 302by looking at a predetermined scene point represented by scene centerpoint 338. As previously discussed, without adjusting character 336 aaccording to user context of user 302, character 336 a is looking,speaking, pointing at, or otherwise interacting with scene center point338 and not user 302. According to the perspective of user 302,character 336 a appears to be interacting with a different point thanuser 302, and thus appears fake or otherwise artificial.

Although not shown in FIG. 3A, user 302 may utilize a user device withinteractive environment 334 a, such as controller, remote controller,mobile phone, tablet or laptop computer, or other user device. User 302may also utilize the user device with a device for playback of mediacontent on display 320. The user device may include controls usable withthe media content, for example controlling a character or avatar in afirst person or third person view in the media content. However, inother implementations, the user device may also be utilized to controlplayback of the media content, such as a movie, cinematic, or otheraudiovisual content. The user device may further include a transmissionunit for transmitting controls to the device, such as infrared,Bluetooth, wireless, or other radio transmission means.

Moving to FIG. 3B, FIG. 3B presents a rendered environment adjustedusing user context received from a device camera. FIG. 3B showsenvironment 300 b with user 302 viewing display 320. Display 320 isshown with virtual environment 334 b having character 336 b and scenecenter point 338. In contrast to FIG. 3A, environment 300 b of FIG. 3Bshows camera 318 collecting user context data for use in virtualenvironment 334 b. FIG. 3B is shown for conceptual clarity and it isunderstood that display 320 may be further connected to a device, suchas media device 110 of FIG. 1A, for the receiving of data and renderingof virtual environment 334 b

FIG. 3B shows display 320 rendering virtual environment 334 b altered toinclude user context of user 302. User 302 and display 320 of FIG. 3Bmay correspond generally to user 302 and display 320 of FIG. 3A. Aspreviously discussed, camera 318 may include a connected device capableof recording still and/or video images. Thus, camera 318 may correspondto a digital camera for photographs and/or videos. Camera 318 mayfurther include additional features, such as lens focus, flash lighting,exposure and/or shutter speeds, or other desirable features. Camera 318may be utilized with an image recognition module to determine usercontext data of user 302. However, in other implementations, camera 318may be utilized with proximity or motion awareness processes todetermine the user context data of user 302. Additionally, camera 318may be utilized to determine additional features of user 302 for moreprecise location data corresponding to user 302. For example, camera 318may be utilized with facial recognition technology to determine otheruser context data corresponding to user 302.

Utilizing the received user context data of user 302, virtualenvironment 334 b may be rendered presenting an altered feature based onthe user context data. Virtual environment 334 b shows character 336 band scene center point 338. Scene center point 338 may correspondgenerally to scene center point 338 of FIG. 3A. However, as shown inFIG. 3B, character 336 b is shown interacting with user 302 instead ofscene center point 338. Using the user context data, character 334 b maylook, speak, point at, or otherwise interact directly with user 302.Thus, virtual environment 334 b presenting an altered virtualenvironment using user context data, user 302 may feel a deeperemotional connection with virtual environment 334 b.

Although FIG. 3B shows virtual environment 334 b presenting an alteredfeature based on the real world position of user 302, otherimplementations may utilize other user context as a basis to adjust andadapt the rendered virtual environment. For example, camera 318 maydetermine user context data corresponding to ambient light levels in oraround user 302, image data corresponding to user 302, or other usercontext data. Thus, FIG. 3B is presented by way of example and it isunderstood different user context data may be utilized to present analtered feature in a rendered virtual environment.

FIGS. 1A, 1B, 2A, 2B, 3A, and 3B will now be further described byreference to FIG. 4, which presents flowchart 400 illustrating a methodfor adaptive rendered environments using user context. With respect tothe method outlined in FIG. 4, it is noted that certain details andfeatures have been left out of flowchart 400 in order not to obscure thediscussion of the inventive features in the present application.

Referring to FIG. 4 in combination with FIG. 1A, FIG. 2A, FIG. 2B, FIG.3A, and FIG. 3B, flowchart 400 begins with determining, using aprocessor 112, user context data corresponding to a user 202/302 of avirtual environment 234 a/234 b/334 a/334 b (410). Processor 112 ofmedia device 110 may perform the determining. Processor 112 may utilizesensor 116/216 and/or camera 118/318 to determine the user context dataof user 202/302, for example, by requesting user context data from userdevice 150/250. User device 150/250 may utilize device sensors 160 todetermine user context corresponding to user 202/302. Processor 112 mayalso utilize position recognition module 140 with sensor 116/216 todetermine user context data, such as by utilizing proximity awarenessprocesses. In other implementations, processor 112 may utilize imagerecognition module 142 with camera 118/318 to determine the user contextdata of user 202/302, such as through image and/or facial recognitionprocesses. Virtual environment 234 a/234 b/334 a/334 b may correspond toa scene or environment of media content 132 received from media input130.

Flowchart 400 continues with altering, using the processor 112, afeature of the virtual environment 234 a/234 b/334 a/334 b using theuser context data to obtain an altered feature (420). Processor 112 ofmedia device 110 may perform the altering. Processor 112 may utilizecontent adjustment module 144 with user context data determined usingsensor 116/216 and/or camera 118/318. Processor 112 may utilize the usercontext data with a feature of virtual environment 234 a/334 a, such ascharacter 236 a/336 a. Using the user context data with contentadjustment module 144, processor 112 may produce an altered feature ofvirtual environment 234 b/334 b, for example character 236 b/336 b. Forexample, as shown in FIG. 2B and FIG. 3B, character 236 b/336 b nowinteracts with a real world position of user 202/302.

The method of flowchart 400 continues with rendering, using theprocessor 112, the altered feature of the virtual environment 234 a/234b/334 a/334 b for display 120/220/320 (430). Processor 112 of mediadevice 110 may perform the rendering for display 120/220/320. Thealtered feature may correspond to character 236 b/336 b after changingcharacter's 236 a/336 a interaction from scene center point 238/338 touser 202/302. Thus, virtual environment 236 b/336 b may be rendered fordisplay 120/220/320 with character 236 b/336 b corresponding to thealtered feature.

User context data of players may thus be used to provide a more dynamicand immersive experience with media content. Users may be encouraged tointeract with the media content and gain additional emotionalinvolvement with the virtual world. This may increase users interest andexcitement with characters in the virtual environment.

From the above description it is manifest that various techniques can beused for implementing the concepts described in the present applicationwithout departing from the scope of those concepts. Moreover, while theconcepts have been described with specific reference to certainimplementations, a person of ordinary skill in the art would recognizethat changes can be made in form and detail without departing from thescope of those concepts. As such, the described implementations are tobe considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive. Itshould also be understood that the present application is not limited tothe particular implementations described above, but many rearrangements,modifications, and substitutions are possible without departing from thescope of the present disclosure.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for use by a system including aprocessor, the method comprising: determining, using the processor, usercontext data corresponding to a user of a virtual environment; altering,using the processor, a feature of the virtual environment using the usercontext data to obtain an altered feature; and rendering, using theprocessor, the altered feature of the virtual environment for display.2. The method of claim 1, wherein the feature includes a non-playercharacter in the virtual environment.
 3. The method of claim 2, whereinthe feature includes one of an eyesight focus of the non-playercharacter in the virtual environment and a physical action of thenon-player character in the virtual environment.
 4. The method of claim1, wherein the user context data includes a real world position of theuser.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the determining the user contextdata uses a camera.
 6. The method of claim 5, wherein the determiningthe user context data using a camera further includes using imagerecognition.
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the determining the usercontext data uses a user device.
 8. The method of claim 1, wherein thevirtual environment includes one of a cinematic, interactive game, anduser generated content.
 9. A system comprising: a processor configuredto: determine user context data corresponding to a user of a virtualenvironment; alter a feature of the virtual environment using the usercontext data to obtain an altered feature; and render the alteredfeature of the virtual environment for display.
 10. The system of claim9, wherein the feature includes a non-player character in the virtualenvironment.
 11. The system of claim 10, wherein the feature includesone of an eyesight focus of the non-player character in the virtualenvironment and a physical action of the non-player character in thevirtual environment.
 12. The system of claim 10, wherein the usercontext data includes a real world position of the user.
 13. The systemof claim 8 further comprising: a camera; wherein the processordetermines the user context data using the camera.
 14. The system ofclaim 13, wherein the processor determines the user context data using acamera further includes using image recognition.
 15. The system of claim9 further comprising: a user device; wherein the processor determinesthe user context data using the user device.
 16. The system of claim 9,wherein the virtual environment includes one of a cinematic, interactivegame, and user generated content.
 17. A system comprising: a userdevice; a processor configured to: determine user context datacorresponding to a user of a virtual environment using the user device;alter a feature of the virtual environment using the user context datato obtain an altered feature; and render the altered feature of thevirtual environment for display.
 18. The system of claim 17, wherein theuser device includes one of a remote controller, a video gamecontroller, and a cellular phone.
 19. The system of claim 17, whereinthe user device includes an infrared proximity sensor.
 20. A method ofclaim 17, wherein the feature includes a non-player character in thevirtual environment.